Hi, I’m Jenny! I’m a junior at Cornell University studying Applied Economics and Management in the Dyson School with a concentration in strategy. As a current student deeply involved in campus life, I can provide a genuine, behind-the-scenes look at Cornell beyond what you’ll hear on an official tour. I’ll share my experiences with Dyson academics, career opportunities, student organizations, campus traditions, favorite study spots, dining, and the social scene, helping you get a realistic picture of what it’s like to call Cornell home.

Hometown

New York City, New York

Major(s)

Applied Economics and Management

Minor(s)

Environment and Sustainability, Urban Planning

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Impact Investing at Cornell (Project Manager), Infrastructure Committee under Student Assembly (Council member), Cornell Architecture Student Practices (Treasurer), Cornell Tradition Fellowship, Undergraduate Student Admission Office (Office Assistant), Studying abroad in Paris, The Wardrobe (Finance Analyst), Diversity on the Street (Analyst)

Describe your college experience

Transitioning to Cornell was both exciting and a little overwhelming at first. Like many students, I had to adjust to living away from home, navigating a new environment, and balancing rigorous classes with a social life. Over time, I found my place by getting involved in organizations that aligned with my interests, building meaningful friendships, and taking advantage of the endless opportunities Cornell offers. My experience has been incredibly diverse: from working on impact investing projects and helping improve student life through the Student Assembly, to exploring architecture and design through Cornell Architecture Student Practices. I’ve also gained professional experience through organizations like Impact Investing at Cornell, received support through the Cornell Tradition Fellowship, and even had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris. Alongside my role as an office assistant in the Undergraduate Admissions Office, I’ve gained a unique perspective on both student life and the admissions process. Cornell has pushed me to grow academically, professionally, and personally, and I’m excited to share an honest perspective on what it’s really like to be a student here: from choosing classes and finding the right communities to navigating internships, campus traditions, and everyday life in Ithaca.

Tip for future students

If I could tell my first-year self one thing, it would be that you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. I came to Cornell with certain ideas about what I wanted to study and pursue professionally, but some of my most meaningful experiences came from stepping outside my comfort zone and exploring opportunities I never would have expected: from joining an architecture club, something completely unrelated to my major, to studying abroad in Paris. My advice is to take advantage of everything Cornell has to offer while also giving yourself grace during the transition. Don’t compare yourself to others, especially in a place as ambitious and accomplished as Cornell. Everyone’s journey looks different, and finding your community, passions, and goals takes time. The people you meet, the risks you take, and the experiences you say yes to often end up shaping your college experience the most.

Favorite class

It’s hard to pick just one favorite class because some of my best experiences at Cornell have come from classes I never expected to love. My favorite class related to my major was my strategy class. The professor was super serious but also incredibly genuine, and his passion for the subject made every lecture interesting. The class was very discussion-based and centered around real-world case studies, so it never felt like a typical lecture. I loved hearing different viewpoints from my classmates and learning how to think about complex business problems. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I also loved my mushrooms class because I got to grow my own mushrooms, and my Light and Life class because the professor literally lit things on fire during demonstrations. Those experiences are what make Cornell special to me. You can dive deep into your academic interests while also taking random, fascinating classes just because they spark your curiosity.

Career goals

After college, I hope to pursue a career in strategy consulting because I enjoy solving complex problems, working with different teams, and learning about a variety of industries. However, I see consulting as just one chapter of my career. Long-term, I hope to transition into the nonprofit or social impact space, where I can work on issues I care deeply about, such as climate advocacy and creating opportunities that help people and communities. One of the things Cornell has taught me is that business can be a powerful tool for creating positive change, and I hope to carry that mindset throughout my career.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal free night is something simple: taking a walk through Cornell’s beautiful nature trails and gorges, especially during sunset, and ending the night sitting on the Slope with friends, stargazing with cups of ice cream from the dining hall in hand. Some of my favorite memories at Cornell have come from these small, spontaneous moments -- talking for hours, enjoying the scenery, and appreciating the little things that make campus feel like home.

High school or secondary school

The Young Women's Leadership School of Astoria (Queens, New York, US)